Are you considering buying a new bong and trying to decide between a showerhead perc and a tree perc?

In 2024, with so many percolator options available, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you.

Let's take a closer look at showerhead percs and explore their unique features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Showerhead Perc?

A showerhead perc is a type of percolator named for its resemblance to a showerhead. It consists of a vertical tube that directs smoke into a broader, rounded chamber at the bottom filled with numerous slits or holes. As the smoke passes through these openings, it is diffused into many tiny bubbles, resulting in excellent filtration and cooling.

Showerhead percs offer several key benefits:

• Smooth, cool hits: The high level of diffusion provided by the numerous holes in a showerhead perc results in exceptionally smooth and cool hits. This makes for a pleasant smoking experience with minimal harshness or irritation.
• Efficient filtration: As smoke is forced through the many small openings in the perc, impurities and tar are effectively filtered out. This means cleaner, tastier hits with every use.
• Durable design: Unlike some other perc types, such as tree percs with delicate arms, showerhead percs have a simple and sturdy construction. This makes them less prone to breakage and easier to clean and maintain over time.

Some excellent examples of bongs featuring showerhead percs include the Licit Glass reflected showerhead and the Licit Glass cooler showerhead. These pieces showcase the effectiveness and visual appeal of a well-designed showerhead perc.

What is a Tree Perc?

A tree perc is another popular type of percolator, named for its distinct tree-like appearance. It features a central tube with multiple arms extending outward, each containing 1-3 slits or holes for diffusion. As smoke passes through these openings, it is broken up into smaller bubbles, providing effective filtration and cooling.

Tree percs have several advantages:

• Excellent filtration: The multiple arms and openings of a tree perc create numerous tiny bubbles, efficiently filtering smoke and removing impurities. This results in smooth, clean hits with minimal harshness.
• Visually appealing: Tree percs have an attractive, eye-catching design that adds a unique aesthetic to any bong. Watching the smoke flow through the arms can be a mesmerizing experience.
• Customizable: Tree percs come in various configurations, with different numbers and arms of different sizes. This allows you to choose a design that suits your preferences for filtration and visual appeal.
  
  

One great bong example featuring a tree pipe is the Mr E Fume Double Pipe. This piece combines the filtration power of a tree pipe with an additional percolator for an exceptionally smooth smoking experience.

However, tree percs do have some potential drawbacks. The thin arms can be delicate and prone to breakage if not handled carefully. They may also be more challenging to clean than simpler designs like showerhead percs.

Showerhead Perc vs Tree Perc: Key Differences

When comparing showerheads and tree percs, several key differences to consider can impact your smoking experience.

• Diffusion: Showerhead percs typically offer more even diffusion thanks to their numerous tiny holes. This means that smoke is broken up into smaller, more uniform bubbles, resulting in a smoother hit. Tree percs, while still providing good diffusion, may not be as consistent due to the larger openings in the arms.
• Drag: Drag refers to the resistance you feel when inhaling through the bong. Tree percs can sometimes cause more drag compared to showerhead percs. This is because the arms of the tree perc can restrict airflow, making it slightly more challenging to draw smoke through the water. Showerhead percs, with their more open design, tend to have less drag.
• Cleaning: Keeping your bong clean is essential for optimal performance and flavor. Showerhead percs are generally easier to clean than tree percs. The arms of tree percs can trap debris and be challenging to access with cleaning tools. Showerhead percs, with their simpler design, are more straightforward to rinse and maintain.
• Durability: Durability is an important factor to consider when investing in a quality bong. Showerhead percs are often more durable than tree percs. The thin arms of tree percs can be delicate and prone to breaking if the bong is knocked over or handled roughly. Showerhead percs, with their sturdy, compact design, are less likely to suffer damage.
  

Ultimately, the choice between a showerhead perc and a tree perc comes down to personal preference. Consider factors like diffusion, drag, ease of cleaning, and durability when making your decision. Both types of percs can provide a great smoking experience, so it's worth trying each to see which you prefer.

Benefits of Showerhead Percs

Showerhead percs offer several notable benefits that make them a popular choice among smokers in 2024. Here are some key advantages:

Smooth, Cool Hits

The high level of diffusion provided by the numerous tiny holes in a showerhead perc results in exceptionally smooth and cool hits. As smoke passes through these openings, it is broken up into many tiny bubbles, increasing the surface area in contact with the water. This enhanced interaction allows for more effective cooling and filtration, resulting in a pleasant smoking experience with minimal harshness or irritation.

Easy to Clean

One of the most appealing aspects of showerhead percs is their simple design, which makes them relatively easy to clean compared to other perc types. Unlike tree percs with delicate arms that can trap debris, showerhead percs have a more open structure without hard-to-reach areas. This means you can easily rinse and maintain your showerhead perc with standard cleaning tools, ensuring optimal performance and flavor over time.

Durable Design

Durability is another significant advantage of showerhead percs. The absence of fragile components like the thin arms found on tree percs makes showerhead percs less susceptible to damage from accidental knocks or rough handling. This sturdy construction ensures that your investment in a quality piece with a showerhead perc will stand the test of time, providing you with reliable performance and enjoyment for years to come.

When shopping for a bong with a showerhead perc, look for pieces made from high-quality borosilicate glass, as this material offers excellent heat resistance and durability. Also, consider the size and placement of the perc within the bong, as this can impact the overall smoothness and efficiency of the filtration process.

How to Choose Between a Showerhead Perc and Tree Perc

Deciding between a showerhead perc and a tree perc ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice:

Consider Your Smoking Preferences

• Smooth, cool hits: If you prioritize a smooth and cool smoking experience, a showerhead perc may be the better choice. The high level of diffusion provided by the numerous tiny holes in a showerhead perc results in exceptionally smooth and cool hits with minimal harshness or irritation.
• Visual appeal: If you enjoy the unique visual appeal of a tree perc and don't mind more drag, a tree perc is the way to go. Watching the smoke flow through the arms of a tree perc can be a mesmerizing experience that adds to your overall enjoyment.
  

Think About Maintenance

• Ease of cleaning: Showerhead percs are often easier to clean and maintain than tree percs. Their simple design allows for straightforward rinsing and cleaning with standard tools, ensuring optimal performance and flavor over time. If you want a perc that's easy to keep in top condition, a showerhead perc is often the better option.
  

Factor in Durability

• Resilience: When it comes to durability, a showerhead perc is typically more resilient than a tree perc. The absence of delicate components like the thin arms found on tree percs makes showerhead percs less susceptible to damage from accidental knocks or rough handling. If durability is a top concern for you, a showerhead perc is often the more reliable choice.
  

When making your decision, also consider the overall design and quality of the bong itself. Look for pieces made from high-quality borosilicate glass for optimal durability and heat resistance. Pay attention to the size and placement of the perc within the bong, as this can impact the smoothness and efficiency of the filtration process.

Ultimately, the best way to determine your preference between a showerhead perc and a tree perc is to try them both out. Many high-end smoke shops offer the opportunity to test different percs before making a purchase. Take advantage of this option if available, or ask experienced friends for their insights and recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.

What is the Best Type of Perc for Smooth Hits?

When it comes to achieving the smoothest hits from your bong in 2024, the type of perc you choose plays a significant role. Showerhead percs are widely recognized for delivering exceptionally smooth and cool hits, thanks to their high level of diffusion.

The numerous tiny holes in a showerhead perc break up the smoke into many small bubbles, increasing the surface area in contact with the water for optimal cooling and filtration.

Other percs known for providing smooth hits include honeycomb percs, matrix percs, and fritted disc percs. Honeycomb percs feature a flat disc with numerous small holes, creating a high level of diffusion for a smooth smoking experience.

Matrix percs, with their cylindrical design and grid-like arrangement of slits, also offer excellent diffusion and cooling. Fritted disc percs, made from fused glass particles, provide a massive number of tiny holes for unparalleled diffusion and smoothness.

• Personal preference matters: Ultimately, the best perc for achieving smooth hits comes down to your individual preferences and priorities. While showerhead percs are a popular choice for their exceptional smoothness, another type of perc better suits your specific needs and smoking style.
• Consider ease of cleaning: When selecting a perc for smooth hits, it's essential to consider factors like ease of cleaning and maintenance. Some percs, like tree percs with their intricate arms, can be more challenging to keep clean than simpler designs like showerhead percs. A perc that is difficult to clean may negatively impact the smoothness and flavor of your hits over time.
• Durability is key: Durability is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a perc for smooth hits. Percs with delicate components, such as the thin arms of tree percs, are more prone to damage from accidental knocks or rough handling. In contrast, showerhead percs and other sturdy designs, like honeycomb percs, offer greater resilience and longevity.
  

To find the perc that provides the smoothest hits for you, try out different types if possible. Many high-end smoke shops allow customers to test various percs before making a purchase. You can also ask experienced friends or consult online forums and reviews to gather insights and recommendations based on your specific preferences and needs.

Choosing between a showerhead perc and a tree perc depends on your preferences for smoothness, ease of cleaning, and durability. Stoked CT understands these needs and offers a wide selection of both types to enhance your smoking experience.

Shop our collection of showerheads and tree percs today. We have something for every level of cannabis enthusiast.

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